Naam Tamilar Katchi facts for kids

Naam Tamilar Katchi (which means We Tamils Party in the Tamil language) is a political party in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the territory of Puducherry. The party is known for its belief in Tamil nationalism, which means it focuses on the rights and culture of the Tamil people. It is led by Seeman, a former actor and film director. The party's goal is to create a strong voice for Tamils in politics.

History of the Party

The Original Party

In 1958, a politician named S. P. Adithanar started the first "We Tamils" party. He wanted to create a separate, independent state for Tamil-speaking people. The party even held protests to support this idea.

Adithanar was elected to the state government in 1967. Soon after, his party joined with another major party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

A New Beginning

On May 18, 2010, the actor and director Seeman restarted the party. This happened in the city of Madurai, one year after the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War. Seeman said the new Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) would be an alternative to the other main political parties in Tamil Nadu.

He said the party would continue the work that S. P. Adithanar had started. A key goal for the party is supporting the idea of an independent Tamil Eelam, a proposed separate state for Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Name and Symbol

The party's name, Naam Tamilar Katchi, means "We are Tamils." This name is meant to show that the party represents all Tamils, no matter their background.

The party's flag is similar to the flag of Tamil Eelam. It features a tiger, which was also the symbol of the ancient Chola kings and the Tamil Tigers.

What the Party Believes In

The Naam Tamilar Katchi has several main goals and principles. Here are some of them:

• To protect and promote Tamil culture and rights.
• To support the creation of a separate Tamil Eelam state for Tamils in Sri Lanka.
• To make Tamil the main language for government, education, and business in Tamil Nadu.
• To give women equal opportunities in all areas, including politics.
• To protect the environment and use science in ways that help nature.
• To end poverty and make sure everyone has a home or land.
• To unite Tamils from all over the world.

Key Policies and Actions

Women's Rights

NTK is a strong supporter of women's rights. The party gave 50% of its election spots to women in the 2019 and 2024 national elections, as well as the 2016 and 2021 state elections. This was a big step for gender equality in Indian politics.

The party was also the first in the state to have a transgender candidate run for office. This showed the party's commitment to including people from all walks of life.

Protecting Natural Resources

The party has held protests to make sure Tamil Nadu gets its fair share of water from rivers like the Kaveri River. Seeman has also spoken out against illegal sand mining, which damages the state's rivers.

Who Should Govern Tamil Nadu?

Seeman has said that the chief minister of Tamil Nadu should be a Tamil person. He believes that only a Tamil can truly govern the state. This idea has been talked about a lot in the media. When asked what makes someone a "true Tamil," Seeman said it is anyone who stands up for Tamil rights and dignity.

Support for Sri Lankan Tamils

NTK speaks up for the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils, especially those who have come to India as refugees. The party wants them to be treated fairly and have better living conditions.

The party also calls for justice for the Tamil people who suffered during the Sri Lankan Civil War. It asks the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate the difficult events that happened during the war.

Election History

The Naam Tamilar Katchi has participated in several elections since it was restarted in 2010.

State Elections

In the 2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, the NTK ran for office in all 234 areas of the state. Although the party did not win any seats, it received more votes than some older, more established parties.

In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, the party's support grew. It received almost 7% of the total votes, showing that more people were listening to its message.

National Elections

In the 2019 Indian general election, NTK was praised for giving half of its spots to women candidates. The party received over 1.6 million votes across Tamil Nadu.

In the 2024 Indian general election, the party's vote share increased again, reaching over 8% in Tamil Nadu. This showed its growing influence in the state's politics, even though it did not win any seats.

Electoral performance

Lok Sabha Elections

Lok Sabha Elections

Year	Party leader	Seats won	Change in seats	Popular vote	Percentage of votes	Vote Swing	Outcome
Tamil Nadu
2019	Seeman	0 / 39		1,668,079	3.91%		Lost
2024		0 / 39		3,560,485	8.19%	4.28%	Lost
Puducherry
2019	Seeman	0 / 1		22,857	2.89%		Lost
2024		0 / 1		39,603	4.90%	2.01%	Lost

Legislative Assembly Elections

Year	Party leader	Seats won	Change in seats	Popular vote	Percentage of votes	Vote Swing	Outcome
Tamil Nadu
2016	Seeman	0 / 234		458,007	1.06%		Lost
2021		0 / 234		3,067,458	6.89%	5.83%	Lost
2026		0 / 234	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
Puducherry
2016	Seeman	0 / 30		3,888	0.47%		Lost
2021		0 / 30		28,189	3.37%	2.9%	Lost
2026		0 / 30	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD